Sunday, 24 January 2010

I'm not quite sure why that is, because when I started this blog I thought it'd be full of interesting snippets from my academic life. Maybe it's just because research is, honestly, such a slow process. Exciting results just don't come along every day/week/month... I love my studies but there are more exciting things, day-to-day, in the rest of my life.

However, there's one little milestone I simply have to report on.

In most UK universities, it is (apparently) now standard to register all research students as MPhil candidates to start with, and then cause you to do some level of work to "earn" your place as a real PhD student.

On Thursday, I had that meeting. I'm now officially a PhD student. It probably shouldn't feel important - nothing has really changed - but it's nice to have that little stamp of approval. The stuff I've done so far has been okay, they really think I can turn this into a doctorate, etc.

It's just one more step along a very long path... but I'm thrilled to bits!

36 comments:

Oh my gosh, seriously, that is SUCH an accomplishment and I bet you will inspire many people to follow your path. Education is SO important, I wish I had stuck with my college studies when I could afford to actually go. As soon as my husband and I get back on track and out of debt we are BOTH going back to school.You should be totally proud of yourself! Thank you for following my blog and the best of luck to you in your studies! I can't wait to come back and read more! :)

First of all, I think you're being too modest. You're engaged in a process in which I would like to be myself a few years hence. That final approval doesn't come without hard work and I, for one, would like to find out more about your thesis through your blog. Keep up the good work. Your reward is well deserved. Many thanks.

Congratulations on the nod towards your doctorate. I admire your determination to focus and examine a topic in such an indepth way. Good luck with the hard work that will most definitely be on this journey. I have a sneeky feeling that you'll do amazing work!

Sometimes it seems like the most important milestones incur only small changes on the way of things. On the inside of a person however, in the essence of their very mind, such changes are however enormous.

Following my graduation from high school (I'm so unaccomplished as of yet that's the best example I can offer) I did not look different, and nothing seemed to have changed. Yet, it did. I walked with more pride, I felt more significant -- because I had passed from one part of life to another. And that feeling is awe-some.

Therefore I applaud you for having undergone this transition. You're one important step closer to you goal! <3

Congratulations! That's a big accomplishment. In Norway you actually have to do a master's first and then reapply for a Ph.D position (which has to be created especially for you by the admin, but there is a small chance someone more qualified might snatch it up).

I completely understand the feeling of making it past a hurdle here. At Leeds Uni, you're registered as a provisional PhD student until you've proved yourself over the first year. I guess a substantial number over the years have failed to make it past the early stages. Anyway, well done and keep up the good work! It'll only be 2 more years before we're all calling you Dr Rachel!=)

Sir's thinking about doing an MBA when we go back and he rather fancies a PhD as well, but I know I don't have the stomach for either!! I'll go to stitching classes instead.=)

Congratulations! That's so fantastic!I would also love to take you up on your offer. I have no clue how to make a bar in my header with links and such, and if you could point me in the right direction, I'd love you bunches!

Congratulations, Rachel. I'm into the sixth year of my PhD part time. I have two years to go before it's due for completion and lately I've been having quiet conniptions about this.

So far I've loved it but since I moved a fair whack of energy into blogging I'm beginning to think almost everyday that it's time to slow down blogging, and haul the PhD in to get myself to the finishing line.

This PhD business is such a process, a wonderful process but it has certain triumphs and crisis points. I think I've reached one of the latter so it's good to read about a fellow blogger who's on the journey too and feeling good about it.

Woohoo Rachel - GREAT accomplishment and one (however small you feel it is) you should be VERY proud of!The longest paths we take are often the harest yet most rewarding! :)p.s. see, I'm still following you :D

I realized I had not been over to your site, or it has been a dodgy over site on my part reading the feeds of blog.

I am excited for you, like in a motherly way, or maybe sisterly, even though I am old enough to be your mom! Ha, so you like Izzard? I do, he is a hoot in drag, great actor too.

I began blogging a year ago to release things I wanted to say to the world. Be me. No holds bar. In many ways I have developed into what I believe I was suppose to be, and many where I came from have not even gotten close to discovering this. I just hope I can come as close to your achievements, even if it is an honorary degree in my son's head.

I am glad to have met you and follow you. Look forward to more of you!

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